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"My going to Rishi's moon was to be the escape and escape from my battles for a while. Even after all that had happened, it was hard to remove that thought of loss that was slowly taking over my body. We spent much of our time surveying the moon's orbit, watching communications, and taking turns about who did what in their roles. But of course with that, we hardly had a moment's rest in the story. However, as we prepared to receive the inspection team from Captain Rex and Commander Cody, out of nowhere, several Commando Droids stormed the base and took over everything. It was pretty clear that we were outnumbered. I managed to survive, along with a few members of the Domino Squadron. After escaping to the outside, I, Echo, Hevy, and Fives were left in the midst of an immense difficulty in being able to retake the base. But in that, help came when Rex and Cody found us. Now, even though we were outnumbered, we would put a plan in place that would allow us to retake Rishi's base before the Separatists attacked Kamino. But I could never have imagined that this mission would come at an unexpected price..."
Trying to get back to the platform, we knew we were taking a risk trying to retake the base in smaller numbers. We didn't know how many of those Droids might be inside, but I could estimate that there were many. I sighed, trying to understand what was going to happen. But I just hoped things would work out. We climbed a section of the moon, preparing ourselves for whatever would happen.
(Rex) - A lot of attention, rookies! As long as these pliers hold the post, our home on Kamino will be at serious risk!
(Echo) - But there are too many of them!
(Rex) - Never mind, kid! We have to take back that base, then we will take back that base!
We each readied our weapons, willing to give our all to retake Rishi's base. But it was quite difficult considering what we were about to face. Sighing, time almost stood still. Just a brief moment could be enough to deal with the fear and chaos brewing in the midst of our mission. We looked at Rex and Cody from under their helmets, but I already felt immense insecurity about the whole thing.
(Cody) - What do you suggest we do to get through those doors, Rex, old boy?
(Rex) - You will see.
The climb continued. After a few minutes, we made it to the platform, where we hid behind some crates that were in place. Sighing again, I wondered what plan the Captain had in mind. We looked at each other with a sense of uncertainty and fear. How would we manage to get on the base without the old cans shooting us? It was only a matter of getting caught, even if only for a few seconds. A brief moment. Just one moment. It was all we needed to be able to retake the base. Out of nowhere, Rex started walking towards the camera, which made all of us weird about the Captain's attitude. Then each of us went sideways, avoiding the camera and hiding through the doorways.
(Rex) - Positive. - It was pretty clear that Rex was intending to use his intelligence to get the Droids fooled. If we could get inside the base, we were done for. We were already on the road to taking it back from the Droids. - Positive.
(Ratchet) - This plan won't work. - I looked at Fives and Echo who apparently agreed with me, while Hevy didn't even say anything.
(Rex) - Positive. - Suddenly, Rex reached down and grabbed one of the Droids heads that was in his hand to try to trick the Droids. Cody put a hand to his head, completely nervous about what was happening.
(Cody) - That's not going to work.
To my surprise, the Droids opened the door, falling into the trap. There were three of them, staring at Rex, who was pointing one of his pistols in the direction of the one in the middle.
-Clones!
(Rex) - Positive.
He shot one of the Droids, and we came up to take out the other two.
(Rex) - Very well. Let's go!
Each of us then began to run forward, about to try and finish off the Droids that had invaded. It was only a matter of time before the worst would happen, but we needed to at least show that we weren't going to give up without a fight. It was clear that our determination was enormous. We stopped at the stairs, while Fives looked up at Rex, along with all of us.
(Fives) - Permission to go ahead?
(Rex) - I always go in the front, boy!
We all ran, and in a split second, Rex started shooting in the direction of the Droids that were on the monitors, and then each of us fired, knocking out anything that looked like the enemy. The weak point of these Commando Droids was in the head, so if we hit the head, we got some breathing time to retake base. Out of nowhere, Fives was hit in the shoulder, leaving us completely preoccupied with what had just happened.
(Hevy) - Fives!
(Cody) - He's okay! Concentrate on the battle!
Rex was crouched down, hiding between the monitors' table, until out of nowhere, a Droid that was high up shot toward the Captain, who returned fire, hitting the Droid in the shoulder. Out of nowhere it grabbed what appeared to be a dagger and began trying to attack the Captain with everything it had. Where did these Droids get that kind of weapon from? Of course they would have to be equipped with anything in this problem. Obviously, the crossfire took over as each of us tried to extricate ourselves from the trouble we were in. One misstep was death for one of us. It was an immense disadvantage that we could not admit aloud. Any strategy was welcome to try and contain these scraps. But for me, even with everything I was feeling, I really missed having someone shoot at me again. I looked at the Droids, and fired in every possible direction, hoping that the ammo wouldn't run out so fast. We began to move as the last Droid was taken down.
(Echo) - Got it!
(Fives) - I'm sorry, Echo, I took that one. - We each removed our helmets, sighing, having gotten some relief in the midst of so many efforts to manage to retake Rishi's base. It was kind of a light of hope on our path, but we needed to keep an eye out for anything that was enemy, because a single misstep could mean death, even if for a brief moment, in times of war, the period that could change a conflict was something that had to be bit by bit, more than calculated. It had to be exactly precise, to be able to stop the enemy. Hevy then stood facing one of the Droids that had been destroyed, apparently sneering at it.
(Hevy) - Where's the bravery now, eh, you tin can?
We all looked at the monitors and the base controls, sighing, trying to figure out what the next step was at that moment. It was something that worried me by the minute. Cody went towards the controls, activating the cameras in the place.
(Cody) - Look out there! Looks like we're going to have more visitors! - We all looked at the cameras, and then went towards the window of the base, in which Fives looked at the orbit of the planet through a camera, being a bit surprised at what he was seeing.
(Fives) - That looks like a Separatist fleet!
We took off our helmets again, sighing, as Cody looked at all of us.
(Cody) - That's why they invaded our outpost! They planned a full-scale invasion!
(Rex) - We have to warn the command.
We were racing against time. We had a whole horde of Separatist Droids on our hands, and very soon, if we failed to contact the Republic, Kamino would be overrun. Any misstep would doom us, even if unintentionally. The urge I felt to engage in combat again was immense, but I couldn't imagine that this would be the way I would shoot someone again. Truth be told, there are times when I feel that even a thought I possess can become true, even if I don't want to. But it was time to pick up the momentum and fight again. We were going to defend this base to the end.
Echo began to look at the signs on the base, trying to figure out what to do to try to undo what the Droids had done, but to no avail.
(Echo) - The Droids sabotaged our communication signal, and they even jammed the green light! - We looked out the window with concern on our faces, until out of nowhere, several Droids started coming down from a ship, making it clear that things were about to get complicated. - It's going to take time to repair!
(Rex) - We don't have time! - Echo went toward the window again, and began to see the Droids coming down from the ship, and in greater numbers.
(Fives) - Yeah, my friend, you always said you wanted to be on the front lines. - He looks at Hevy, making his wish clear.
The Droids started coming down. There were like 6 platoons, 4 of normal Droids, and the other 2 of Battle Super Drodies. The handicap was immense. How could a group of soldiers like us endure something of that level? A disadvantage so absurd that it would cost our own lives. But I still believed in my belief that we would make it. Even if the odds were impossible, we would defend the base until our last breath, if necessary.
(Cody) - We're not going to be able to protect this outpost against all those Droids!
(Ratchet) - There has to be a chance. Even if it is small, we must fight to the end to protect this base.
(Echo) - This fight is already lost. When they kill us, and they probably will, the Separatists will take advantage to launch an attack on Kamino that we cannot contain. We're on the verge of a stalemate here, and we don't know how to resolve it. - He pointed outside as we all looked at what was about to come at us. It was something that made me fear for my own life at that moment. What to do? We were in a bit of a difficult position.
(Ratchet) - We're gonna make it, Echo! We will! Our orders are to protect the post until the end and we must do it! We are soldiers! We fight to protect everything we believe in!
The moment took over my body. I ran through my head everything I had missed so far. At that moment, my mind had a troubled death wish that I didn't even want to admit. With one look at my body, Rex felt the fear I was having. Honestly, there isn't a moment when I don't think I'm going to die. Maybe it will be today, in another battle, the importance of all of this is that I deal with several problems that not even I want to admit. My hands were shaking, and at the same time, my thoughts were flowing a thousand per hour here in every possible aspect. Little by little, I could see how desperate I was inside. But I kept my composure in an attempt to manage to keep my hope in the midst of everything going on. What to do? We were trapped, not knowing how to deal with this horde.
(Rex) - Then, we should destroy the post! - We were surprised by what we had heard, even Commander Cody was perplexed by what he had heard.
(Echo) - But, sir, I thought our mission was to defend this place at any cost!
(Rex) - We must warn the Republic about this invasion! They will realize when the calm signal stops!
(Fives) - Of course! When they stop receiving our signal, they will know something is wrong!
(Rex) - I want that they catch all the thermal detonators that they have here in this post!
(Echo) - We'll need more than that to destroy that post!
(Fives) - We can use Liquid Tibana. That moon stays frozen for half a year! We use Liquid Tibana as heating fuel!
(Cody) - Tibana Liquid! This is highly explosive!
(Ratchet) - This could really work!
(Rex) - Good! Bring the tanks here and arm the detonators!
We all went on the search, looking for all possible detonators and prepared to blow up the base. We armed them in strategic places to be able to deal with the Droid threat. After doing our mission, we came face to face with Rex and Cody, standing at attention.
(Rex) - Attention! There is only one target of interest in this sector: Kamino! It is the closest to a home that we clones have! Today we will fight for more than the Republic! Today we will fight for all our brothers in our home! Do you understand?
-Sir, yes, sir! - We all spoke at once and grabbed our helmets, willing to do whatever was necessary to deal with the Droid threat. To stop them from invading Kamino, we would have to destroy the base, even at serious risk at this point. We probably only had a few minutes to prepare, but we stood ready for the impossible. Me, Cody, Hevy, and Echo headed into the armory, preparing for another invasion.
(Hevy) - Let's even things out a bit, commander! - Hevy grabbed a machine gun, willing to give his all in the fight to be able to protect his brothers. - They don't know we're in here! - At that, I grabbed a rifle, knowing the risks I was taking now. Now was the time to take what I had and do the impossible again. - Look at my little beauty!
(Echo) - A big gun doesn't make a big man!
(Ratchet) - I am forced to agree here.
Each of us began to prepare for the invasion. Time was still against us, even if only for a brief moment. All caution was in short supply. Out of nowhere, just a few seconds later, I began to hear the sound of gunfire at the entrance to the platform. A sign that one of us was already in combat. From the machine gun, I was sure it was Hevy. Cody and I ran to the entrance, and in that, I lobbed a grenade at the platform, destroying much of the platoon. So I started shooting in the direction of the enemy, giving everything we had to contain the advance of the old tin cans.
(Cody) - A Jedi here would help a lot right now!
Cody closed the door as we continued to fire, the crossfire taking over as we dealt with the approaching droid hordes. With them closed, we would have a chance to recover after all that had happened. After that, we ran towards the stairwell, sighing, as we tried to figure out what to do to deal with the invasion. Out of nowhere, an explosion ripped through the door, and the Droids invaded. We started shooting with everything we had, trying to use as much ammo as we could in our weapons before we were killed. I started running, covering Hevy and Cody.
(Ratchet) - Fall back to the operations center! Let's go!
As I ran, all I could hear was the crossfire taking over again. I hoped none of us would end up dying trying to fix these old cans. I sighed, and at the same time, my heart froze. And now, I wondered, how much more could we take?
(Cody) - Rex, we have little time!
(Rex) - It is almost ready!
I went back to the operations center, and I could see the detonators being prepared to blow up the base. Rex was standing by to try to blow up the base when necessary.
(Rex) - I can't connect the detonator! - Now, there was another problem at hand: the detonator was not connecting, and with that, there would probably be no way to cause the explosion. The other clones returned, getting into position to try and deal with the advancing Separatist troops if possible. - Hevy!
(Hevy) - Yes, sir!
(Rex) - This detonator does not work!
(Hevy) - I'll take care of it! It'll be ready in no time! Get out of here!
(Rex) - Move quickly! The droids are very close!
We opened the ventilation duct hatch, planning our elaborate escape route to get away from the Separatists. The chance was almost minimal, but there was still a slim chance that we could deal with them before the worst happened. I felt I should stay so that I could at least take on some of these Droids and stop their advance. I looked over at Hevy, and felt something a little off about the detonator.
(Hevy) - This is not good! There has to be another way!
Hevy saw me, looking at him, and at that, he stood near me, kind of surprised as to why I didn't go into the vent.
(Hevy) - Why haven't you come in yet?
(Ratchet) - I'll try to help you hold them off as long as possible. - I prepare my gun, until out of nowhere, he puts a hand on one of my shoulders, to my surprise.
(Hevy) - Let's not lose anyone else today! Get in that duct!
(Ratchet) - Leave it open, at least for a while longer. I will try to do what is necessary to help with the detonators.
Half reluctantly, Hevy headed for one of the entrances, and at that, I readied my rifle, bracing myself for the lead that might come. Slowly, I felt like I should do the impossible, but I didn't want to run. Not now.
(Rex) - Hevy, Ratchet, get out of there!
(Hevy) - The detonator is broken. It needs to be detonated manually!
(Ratchet) - I'll be right down! Someone needs to hold off the Droids for a while!
-Stop! -Stop! Fire! - Three Droids saw us, and suddenly we were in the crossfire again. We started shooting in their direction, and slowly, several came up, trying to kill us.
(Hevy) - I know what to do!
Out of nowhere, a platoon of Droids appeared, hitting Hevy in the back, and as I did, I started shooting in their direction, avoiding some of their fire and knocking a few of them out. I grabbed an anti-Droid grenade I'd found, and launched it in the direction of the platoon, disabling them. Slowly, another platoon came up, causing both of us to run, completely concerned for our lives.
(Ratchet) - Hevy, come on! - He walked, almost with a limp, making it very clear that he was seriously injured. I knew it was my duty to care for and protect my brothers. But Hevy was simply having trouble standing. I grabbed another antidroid grenade and fired it in the direction of where we were standing, halting the platoon's advance and disabling them.
(Hevy) - We know one of us has to stay behind to set off the explosives. It won't work. Not for me.
(Ratchet) - But what about that urge you used to feel to be in combat? The Domino Squad needs you. Your brothers need you.
(Hevy) - You are also my brother. This is all for them. Besides, I think that feeling of combat has already been fulfilled. Now is the time to save the Republic - Half reluctantly, I nodded, seeing that I should get to the duct as quickly as possible. Time was short. - Farewell, Ratchet. I know you will succeed in protecting our brothers, wherever you are.
(Ratchet) - It was an honor to serve with you, Hevy. - I began firing in the direction of the Droids approaching from my side, and as I ran, I entered the ventilation duct, leaving the rest to Hevy. My heart pounded for a brief moment, knowing what fate had in store. But I couldn't stop worrying about Hevy, even though I knew someone would have to stay behind to activate the detonator. I started walking as fast as I could, and my heart almost jumped out. I could see my way out of the duct and slowly made my way to the outside, coming face to face with the other soldiers and members of the Domino Squad.
(Echo) - Where's Hevy, Ratchet?
(Ratchet) - He's not coming anymore!
Slowly we started running, and all we heard was the sound of an explosion that engulfed the entire base. The platform fell, along with the ship carrying the Droids. The Rishi base was destroyed. The green light ceased. But slowly, we realized the sacrifice that had to be made. I looked up and saw the destruction that was gradually taking place. The thought that could be said, was of melancholy. We knew we had won. But at what cost? At what cost?
On General Skywalker's cruiser, Echo, Fives, and I would be being honored after our efforts to contain the Droids. My thoughts were of uncertainty. But at the same time, fear. Facing Generals Skywalker and Kenobi, I looked at them with a fearful feeling.
(Obi-Wan) - On behalf of the Republic, we thank you for your valuable service, and we will honor your friend's sacrifice.
Looking at the medal on my chest, it was a bitter feeling I had in my body. A horrible feeling that I felt, that even the deepest thoughts could not describe.
(Anakin) - Your new unit is lucky to have you. I will be proud to fight with you, anytime, anywhere.
(Rex) - Congratulations! They are not more shining! - I looked at Rex, who put a hand on my shoulder. - Ratchet, you still have a great future ahead. Who knows what he will reserve for you?
(Ratchet) - Thank you, sir, but I don't think I deserve it.
(Fives) - Neither have we. We have failed in our mission. We do not deserve this honor.
(Rex) - No. If it weren't for you, the Republic wouldn't have known about the Separatist invasion in time. You showed me something today. You are exactly the kind of men I need for the 501st Legion. - The Captain looked at Echo and Fives, while I remained silent, believing that now it was their turn to have the honor.
-Sir, yes, sir! - The two of them stood in a sense position, while I looked to the sides, half surprised at what had just happened. The thought still didn't pass.
"The rest of the tribute was somewhat silent for me. I felt that time stopped at a certain point, where the existing fine line of the war was almost imperceptible. The Domino Squad, a family, with five of the bravest and most dedicated brothers to duty, were now only two. Echo and Fives would be tasked with carrying on on their own, and carrying on the legacy of the brothers they lost in Rishi. Hevy, this last part I am dedicating not only to you, but to the other members of the Domino Squad as well. Because during that time in Rishi, I could see how close you were, and you acted like a true family. This is my tribute to you. I am very proud of what you were able to do, and I even believe that Echo and Fives will do very well, because they will carry the memories and the feeling of family in their hearts, forever and ever. Hevy, wherever you are, I will continue to fight on the front lines to honor your memory. This isn't goodbye, Hevy. It never will be. Because the memory and the memories of the departed of the Domino Squadron will live on in all of us..."